Tarot for Mental Health
Tarot cards or oracle cards can be such a powerful tool for self-reflection, self-discovery, and creative expression. Often times the images on the cards can portray deeper or bigger things than words can, and help our brains gain clarity. While language can be very powerful and gives us a way to express our thoughts, feeling, and needs to others, it can also be limiting when the words don’t quite fully capture what we need to say. That’s where the artful images on the tarot or oracle cards can be a gift!
If you’re new to tarot or have not heard others talk about it, you might think the cards are used for fortune-telling. When it comes to using tarot for self-reflection or even in therapy, we’re using the cards as a prompt for deeper reflection and expression, not for predicting what might happen.
Tarot cards are a standard deck and while the imagery and guidebooks can vary slightly from deck to deck, they all include the same number of cards following the same names and general images. Oracle cards on the other hand are much more variable. They are designed by the creator and the number of cards and names or types varies from deck to deck. For the purposes of this blog and others on this site, tarot will be referenced but oracle cards could be used in many of the same ways.
How to use tarot for mental health?
Tarot is a great tool for digger deeper within yourself. The cards can help you clarify problems that are going on, better understand your inner thoughts and feelings, find meaning in different experiences, and gain clarity on what you need for resolution or healing. The cards show you what you already know, they just shine light on it so you can see it more clearly.
There are lots of ways to read tarot, including single-card pulls and multi-card spreads. With some of the exercises Kimberleigh uses in therapy with clients, some cards are selected face-down while others are selected by looking at all of the cards and finding the one(s) that speak to what is being considered. If you’re curious about what works best for you, get connected with Kimberleigh to start online therapy in North Carolina or today!
What is the purpose of tarot?
When it comes to tarot for mental health, the purpose is that tarot serves as a tool for self-discovery and self-reflection. It’s not used for predicting the future like you may have seen in movies. The images on the cards can give expression to things we’re thinking, feeling, or needing. The cards serve as a way to communicate with yourself, and with your therapist if you’re using it in therapy.
Does tarot increase intuition?
Using tarot as a tool for self-reflection absolutely does help you to build your sense of intuition!
When you pull a card from the deck, you use your intuition to interpret the meaning of the card, what story the image is telling, and what any words on the cards might mean for you. The more you engage with the cards, the more confident you can feel in interpreting the meaning for you. Sometimes there may even be times that a card pops up and you get that immediate “OMG!” moment because it fits so well with what you’re thinking about, or it calls out exactly what you need to hear at that moment. Sometimes the card that comes up may be shining light on the thing you need to hear or think about most, even if you’ve been avoiding thinking about it.
What is tarot healing?
When you use tarot to clarify the problem, your thoughts and feelings about it, and your needs for resolution, you’re on the path to healing. Sometimes it may a quick “ah-ha” moment, and then sometimes you may need to do multiple card pulls or spreads about the experience as you’re working through healing. It’s also important to remember that healing is usually not a one-and-done thing and you may find that you need to come back to it here and there.
Is it okay to read tarot for yourself?
You can absolutely read tarot for yourself! There are many ways to do this for the purpose of self-reflection, and with self-reflection it’s important that you’re the person choosing the cards and interpreting their message. Since the images on the cards can portray different things to different people, you reflect on what you see in the images and what those things mean for you.
For example with the 3 of wands, the card typically shows a person with 3 wands looking out at what’s off in the distance.
One person may look at the card and see someone looking out to expand their horizons and find new opportunities.
Another person may see someone standing in solitude and think of limitations in their support system.
Someone else may see someone standing on solid and stable ground, considering very carefully what next steps to take and weighing out risks vs. rewards before taking action.
While the card typically represents new opportunities, growth, and stepping outside of your comfort zone, all of the above interpretations are valid as are any others that you might come up with! Those interpretations may help you dig into things you need to think about more! If you relate to the second person and were drawn to focus on the solitude of the one character on the card, maybe it guides you to reflect on your support system and ways you might feel in solitude in some spaces. That may then guide you into considering in what spaces you need or want more community, and what spaces feel safe with solitude, at least for now.
How often should I read my tarot?
You can choose how often you want to reflect with your cards!
Some people find it helpful to pull one card a day, giving them something to bring mindfulness to and prompt some daily reflection. The daily card may represent something you want to bring awareness to, something to be grateful for or find the gift in, or something that needs love and nurturing.
Others prefer to use their cards when a need arises, even if it’s not daily or even weekly. As you try on different practices, you can find what feels good for you!
Reading tarot in therapy can be done in each session or just here and there as it comes up. If you’re working with Kimberleigh and using tarot in therapy, you’re welcome to share with her if you’d like it to be a regular activity at the beginning or end of every session!
Ready to explore using tarot in your therapy as a mental health tool?
To begin tarot in therapy with Mindfully Balanced Therapy:
Schedule a consult call with Kimberleigh or fill out a contact form on our website.
Meet with Kimberleigh to learn about how tarot in therapy and other holistic therapies with Mindfully Balanced Therapy works, and share your goals.
Start experiencing a new way of gaining the clarity you need to move forward!
